Daring rescue saves trespassers in NY creek

A pothole along New York's Canajoharie Creek in Wintergreen Park. (YouTube Photo)

Officials in Canajoharie, New York say three people recently rescued during flash flooding at Canajoharie Creek won’t have to pay for the cost of the rescue, despite being charged with trespassing.

According to an article on DailyGazette.com, emergency crews were called to Wintergreen Park last week to rescue people stranded in the creek. Rescuers found three people about 2,000 feet downstream from the park. A ropes team from the Canajoharie Fire Department performed a high angle rescue, extracting the three from the creek gorge.

Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department Chief Frank Nestle said the team descended 205 feet down into the gorge to retrieve the three. No injuries were reported.

The park was closed that afternoon due to rising waters. A padlocked gate blocked the park’s entrance, and a cable was strung across part of the trail leading to the water. Officials said the three admitted to walking around both obstacles, as well as several no trespassing signs, which led to the charges.